Sister Linda K. Burton: 'We'll Ascend Together'

Sister Linda K. Burton speaks during the Saturday morning session of the 185th Annual General Conference in the Conference Center on April 4, 2015. Photo: IRISister Linda K. Burton speaks during the Saturday morning session of the 185th Annual General Conference in the Conference Center on April 4, 2015. Photo: IRISister Linda K. Burton speaks during the Saturday morning session of the 185th Annual General Conference in the Conference Center on April 4, 2015. Photo: IRI

Updated

4 Apr 2015

11:00 am

“Today I wish to honor husbands, fathers, brothers, sons and uncles who know who they are and who are doing their best to fulfill their God-given roles as described in the family proclamation, including righteously presiding and providing for and protecting their families,” said Sister Linda K. Burton, Relief Society general president, in her Saturday morning general conference address.

A father’s role as a priesthood holder serves to strengthen and protect the family, Sister Burton said. “I am convinced that a husband is never more attractive to his wife than when he is serving in his God-given roles as a worthy priesthood holder— most importantly in the home.”

Sister Burton quoted President Ezra Taft Benson, saying, “Remember your sacred calling as a father in Israel — your most important calling in time and eternity — a calling from which you will never be released. ... You must help create a home where the Spirit of the Lord can abide.”

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The world teaches men false ideas about what it means to be a “real man,” either that men should be self-centered or that fathers are unnecessary in today’s society, Sister Burton noted. These are lies told by Satan, she said. Husbands and wives need each other.

“As covenant-keeping women and men, we need to lift each other and help each other become the people the Lord would have us become,” Sister Burton said. “And we need to work together to lift the rising generation and help them reach their divine potential as heirs of eternal life.”

When Heavenly Father created “an help meet” for Adam, He created a companion suited to or corresponding to him, said Sister Burton. The natures of male and female spirits complete each other. “When we seek to ‘complete’ rather than ‘compete,’ ” she said, “it’s so much easier to cheer each other on!”

She said that Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife strived to follow the proverb, “Thee lift me and I’ll lift thee, and we’ll ascend together.” It’s a proverb that she is committing to follow.

In closing, Sister Burton asked, “Will you join me in seeking the help of the Holy Ghost to teach us how we can better lift each other in our complementary roles as covenant sons and daughters of our loving Heavenly Parents?”